Sunderland Harriers veterans’ Over-40 team romped home to win the Elswick Harriers’ Good Friday Road Relay at Newburn.

They got off to a flier with Ian Dixon bringing them into first place on the opening leg with the day’s fastest time. He clocked 11.01, which was four seconds faster than the second quickest time, set by Crook’s Carl Chapman.

Sunderland maintained their lead throughout the four-stage event and Michael Thompson, an Over-45, recorded the third fastest leg of the day on the second stage with 11.29.

Simon O’Donnell, a recent transfer from Morpeth, showed what a good acquisition he is by running a fine 11.31 on leg three.

Alan Hodgson, another Over-45, who came into the team at the last minute, completed his leg in 12.28 to ensure Sunderland’s victory (46.29) over Crook (47.59). North Shields were third (49.23).

Sunderland Harriers’ hopes of a leading place in the senior men’s relay were dashed after they went off course on the third leg when in fifth place. The event was won by Gateshead from Morpeth and Tyne Bridge.

Sunderland Strollers finished runners-up (42.08) in the veteran women’s three-stage relay, behind North Shields (40.31). The Strollers team featured Ashleigh Bennett (14.12), Gillian Ritchie (14.19) and good run from new member Wendy Chapman (13.37).